AU voices concern over security in Africa

While welcoming the progress made in addressing conflict and crisis situations in Africa over the past years, the Panel of Wise of the African Union (AU) has expressed deep concern on the prevailing peace and security situation on the continent.

It said the challenge posed by the current situation has the potential of reversing the important gains made towards the promotion of peace and security.

The Panel on Friday held its 15th statutory meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where it reviewed the overall peace and security situation on the basis of presentations made by the AU Commission and the United Nations, according to a statement from AU on Saturday.

Members of the Panel noted with deep concern the continued conflict in South Sudan, with its disastrous humanitarian consequences and far reaching impact for state building in the country and regional security and stability.

They expressed support for the IGAD-led efforts, called on the parties to show statesmanship and rise to the expectations of their people.

They welcomed the establishment by the AU Peace and Security Council of a High-Level ad hoc committee of Heads of State and Government, to further support the IGAD-led mediation.

The members expressed concern at the continued deterioration of the situation in Libya, and stressed the need for renewed efforts to address this conflict, which is also negatively affecting regional peace and security, said the statement.

The members of the Panel called on the Central African Republic (CAR) stakeholders to redouble their efforts towards the successful and timely conclusion of the on-going transition.

The members noted with satisfaction the positive evolution in Somalia, with the continued extension of state authority and steady progress in the political process.

They commended the AU mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for its outstanding contribution to the stabilization of the country.

They appealed to the Somali stakeholders to persevere in their efforts, in order to successfully conclude the ongoing process with the holding of the 2016 planned elections.

The members of the Panel also welcomed the continued efforts towards the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the region.

They encouraged the signatory countries to take all steps required towards the implementation of the outstanding issues, notably the neutralization of the armed groups operating in eastern DRC.

They encouraged the early conclusion of the talks between the Government of Mali and the armed groups in the northern part of the country, being facilitated by a mediation team led by Algeria.

Edem Kodjo, Special Envoy of the Chairperson on Burkina Faso, provided other members of the Panel with a detailed reflection on lessons learned of his involvement, as well as prospects and challenges.

The Panel felt encouraged by the ongoing efforts of the Government of Burkina Faso in handling the transition.

The Panel further agreed to focus its efforts on the prevention of election related violence and conflict and it identified a number of practical steps to be taken, including the dispatch of missions to specific countries. Endi